Small qty timber import

**delbs** · 13th July 2022, 02:37 PM

Hi Timber experts,

Wondering if other Australian hobby non commercial woodworkers have had experience with this, If you had a friend or family bringing some timber with them in a small qty think pen turning or bowl blank size etc from america,

I'm assuming there would be considerations from customs to declare them when bringing them in but is that the only consideration? for example when i traveled to Fiji a long time ago any timber gifts such as little sculptures etc had this 'certificate' to state they were wood borer free, free of other things to make it easier for customs. I'm assuming its worse than that now days as that was over 10 years ago i went to fiji.

Also because its friends and family bringing it over there's no money exchanged so its not the same as an ebay purchase i guess.

Any thoughts on what i or my friend would need to do?

EDIT: Still interested in what others have to say bout this but have found this in the mean time - BICON -

Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions

Cheers,
Nathan

**Mobyturns** · 13th July 2022, 07:27 PM

I've brought blanks in from NZ and declared them with no significant issues, other than getting the 3rd degree on entry.

One thing to keep in mind is the CITES listing of woods that are not native to the USA etc. Woods listed as endangered etc may be refused entry.

**TTIT** · 13th July 2022, 07:55 PM

I've traded timber with people in the US many times over the years with no issues at all. The US senders usually just declare the timber and they arrive unopened. Don't see why it should be any different carrying the timber in their luggage unless the customs guys at the airports are more picky than the mail services

**DJ’s Timber** · 13th July 2022, 07:59 PM

Timber must be clean, no bark as it can harbour insects etc and free of bug holes.

I’ve had one or two parcels opened for inspection and rewrapped and forwarded on.

As with mailed timber, think it must be declared on the custom card you fill out on the plane?

**delbs** · 13th July 2022, 08:37 PM

Ok great this all seems straight forward. Yeah from what I’ve been told there’s an abundance of Red Alder and Red Cedar on his property that he’s willing to put together a box to send it over.

It seems if the parcel contains an invoice stating company letter head, qty, species etc it should be allowed through without an issue as well. So the orders evolved from pen blanks to additional box making kits and pieces

Good to hear!

Cheers
Nathan

**BobL** · 13th July 2022, 08:59 PM

Timber also needs to be dry. Probably because green/wet timber can carry mould.

**delbs** · 13th July 2022, 09:08 PM

Yeah import rules do mention kiln dry and free from pesticides so I’ll need to see if it’s been treated or not also

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